BEAUTIFUL GUANAJUATO, MEXICO

Guanajuato was declared a World Heritage Site in 1988. It is a charming colonial city once known for it's mining in particular, gold & silver. It is also the home to the University of Guanajuato, which has 20,000 students. There are many theaters, museums, art galleries, fine arts shops - a city very much known for it's culture. Peter & I felt like we were back in Spain

CATHEDRALS & BASILICAS

Basilica de Nuestra Senora de Guanajuato; Temple de San Diego & Church of Hidaldo

MOUNTAIN BIKE RIDING IN GUANAUATO

Instead of the usual museum tours, Peter & I  opted for a guided tour through the mountainous country side with Antonio & his daughter, Susana who run the Cacoaxtile Tours. We were taken up over 2,000 meters & rode down through remote country into the mining lands & semi-deserted pueblos. Saw another whole side of Guanajuato - one that not many tourists get to see.  Was pretty pooped by the end of the day, but it was all worth it!

STREET SCENES

Teatro Juarez; Le Jardin de La Union; Cervantes Statue

MORE STREET SCENES IN GUANAUATO

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE MUSIC & THE DANCING!!

The music is every where here in Guanajuato. We're having  a beer in the square & there's 3 different mariachi bands playing in 3 restaurants all one right next to the other. The cacaphony of music was muy loco! The more noise,the better is the ongoing  theme here.

NIGHT SCENES FROM GUANAUATO

GUADALAJARA

                      Plaza de La Liberation & La Rotunda of Illustrious Men

                                       Catedral de Guadalajara;  Government Palace

                                    Guadalajara Cathedral & Teatro Degollado

A very eclectic restaurant in Guadalajara known as Casa Luna

TLAQUEPAQUE

Travelling inland. Took a 5 hour first class bus ride into Guadalajara area. Passed field after field of agave plants. Due to the popularity of tequila, this has been a huge source of revenue for the farmers. Stayed at a beautiful Bed & Breakfast in Tlaquepaque which is about 7 km. outside of Guadalajara. It's a wonderful little Pueblo known for its artistan tiendas.

IT'S ALL ABOUT THE PEOPLE & THE FOOD

Having a couple of different meals with friends Dave & Marisa off of Pacifico. Fine roof top dining at Barcelona sharing a beautiful paella. Gregarious Antonio, the recruiter of one of the many restaurants along Marina Vallarta.

MARINA VALLARTA

Came across the Canadian Navy training ship, the HMCS Oriole where we had our boat tied up. Was quite surprised to see it because it's usually up in B.C. but it was on it's way through the Panama Canal to get to Nova Scotia for Canada's 150th Birthday celebration July 1.

LA CRUZ

The Marina, the anchorage, the Sunday Market & Ana Bananas bar. 

LAS TRES MARIETAS

This small island group in Banderas Bay is a national park  & is supposed to be a popular spot for good snorkeling & diving. All I can say is that it was pretty pathetic when we were there! Murky waters seem to be the norm in this area.

AT ANCHOR

              We're not the only ones enjoying the seafood!! 

PUNTA DE MITA

Left La Cruz Marina to anchor off Punta de Mita with its rocky beaches. Quite a number of resorts here, but there's also a good choice of beachfront restaurants where we were able to grab  delicious fish tacos. 

SAYULITA

Beautiful Sayulita. This used to be a very tranquil fishing village, but word has gotten out & it is now a very popular resort almost bursting at the seams (we were there during spring break) with the tourist scene. It is still very charming with all sorts of boutiques, restaurants & bars. 

SAYULITA

 The beach scene here at Sayulita is very popular with the surfers, from beginners to the advanced.

PUERT VALLARTA

Went into "town" for the day. Had a typical Mexican breakfast at "Cafe de Olla" & then walked the malecon from El Centro to "old town Vallarta".